What chemical contraceptive products are available?

Until about the beginning of this century, there was a very wide range of chemical contraceptives available from chemists. However, as spermicidal methods have become less popular, the choice of brands has been sharply reduced.

Indeed, the number of products generally available for NHS prescription in the UK has been reduced to just one.

However, you would certainly be able to obtain other brands on the Continent, or by mail order from the USA, or via the internet.

For instance, there are now internet-listed brands which are described as 'vegan-friendly' – but we have no idea whether they work or not.

The only type of chemical contraception that remains generally available in Britain is Gygel – a colourless, odourless gel, containing nonoxinol-9.

How do I learn to use these products?

In Britain, the majority of women who employ chemical contraceptives have been taught how to use them by the nurses or doctors at family planning clinics.

In particular, the medical/nursing staff can demonstrate to you the technique of applying spermicides to a cap or diaphragm in such a way as to make it very difficult for sperms to 'get through' to the womb.

Will spermicides protect me against HIV?

No. In fact, there has been some research which suggests that spermicides actually increase the chances of catching HIV – perhaps by causing small abrasions inside the vagina. But at the moment, that still remains unproven.

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